17. Zakaria, the care taker of Bibi Marium, was inspired by seeing her receiving  sustenance directly from Allah, what invocation  he made to Allah?

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاتة      

ﺑِﺴْـــــــﻢِﷲِﺍﻟﺮَّﺣْﻤَﻦِﺍلرَّﺣِﻴﻢ

Answer:

“O Lord, bestow me a goodly offspring from You; verily, You are the hearer of prayer”.(3:38). 

Explanarion:

Zakariyya was so much convinced with extraordinary Mercy of Allahuthala, when he witnessed Bibi Maryam receiving all kinds of fruits directly in a miraculous nature. Knowing his weakness, he too supplicated with strong faith to Him to give him a virtuous, blessed and good son.

He invoked, "My Lord, indeed my bones have weakened, and my head has filled with white, and never have I been in my supplication to You, my Lord, unhappy [i.e., disappointed].

And indeed, I fear the successors after me, and my wife has been barren, so give me from Yourself an heir,

Who will inherit me and inherit from the family of Yaqub (AS). And make him, my Lord, pleasing [to You]." [19:4 to 6].

[He was told], "O Zakariyyah, indeed We give you good tidings of a boy whose name will be Yahya (AS). We have not assigned to any before [this] name." [19:7]

He said, "My Lord, how will I have a boy when my wife has been barren and I have reached extreme old age?" [19:8]

[An angel] said, "Thus [it will be]; your Lord says, 'It is easy for Me, for I created you before, while you were nothing.'" [19:9]

He said, "My Lord, make for me a sign." Allah said, "Your sign is that you will not speak to the people for three nights, [being] sound." [19:10]

So he came out to his people from the prayer chamber and signaled to them to exalt [Allah] in the morning and afternoon. [19:11].

Notice the way he supplicated for a son. He wanted a goodly son, who will please his Creator. Allah granted him Yahaya (AS) who was named uniquely by Himself. He was pure and compassionate with a wisdom from childhood. He made him to adhere to the  Scriptures with determination. He was God fearing, kind to his parents abd he was neither arrogant nor disobedient. [19:12 to 14]

Allah recorded in the Holy Quran about Yahaya (AS) as: "Peace be upon him the day he was born, and the day of his death, and the day he will be raised back to life!" [19:15] 

Like Ibrahim (AS) Zakariyya was gifted with the righteous son in his old age while his wife was barren.  Allah will give whomever He will, boys alone, or girls alone or both mixed or make childless! [42:49, 50] He has power over all things. It is easy for Him.

That is the power of prayer. The things that are not possible, as man thinks, are possible with the answering of prayer of a righteous servant by All capable Allah (عزوجلّ)

الحمدلله

 16. "Our Lord, obliterate their wealth and harden their hearts so that they will not believe until they see the painful punishment." Which Prophet supplicated this dua?

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاتة       

ﺑِﺴْـــــــﻢِﷲِﺍﻟﺮَّﺣْﻤَﻦِﺍلرَّﺣِﻴﻢ

Answer:

Musa (AS).

Explanation:

Pharaoh exalted himself in the land of Egypt. He oppressed the children of Israel and involved them with all kinds of hard work for mean wages.

As a precaution to prevent the birth of the boy baby who would be responsible for the downfall of his kingdom, Firaun

ordered to kill all the boy babies born to the Children of Isralites. He appointed stern men and female nurses to do this job, who carry out his orders mercilessly.

Inspite of all the precautions, Firaun took to stop the birth of the prophet, Musa (AS) was born and Allah made him to grow in his own palace. 

When Musa (AS) attained his full strength, and was perfect 

in manhood, Allah bestowed on him Prophet hood, right judgment of the affairs and religious knowledge.

Allahuthala commanded him and his brother Harun (AS) to go to Pharaoh  and say: "Verily, we are Messengers of your Lord, so let the children of Israel go with us, and torment them not; indeed, we have come with a sign from your Lord! And peace will be upon him who follows the guidance! Truly, it has been revealed to us that the torment will be for him who denies and turns away." (20:9-48).

But they were too proud, arrogant and unjust toward them. Even after getting signs after signs nine times from Allahuthala, Firaun and his courtiers never believed their religion and never allow others to follow it. They persecuted badly who have believed the Lord of Musa (AS) and Harun (AS). He tortured extremely his own wife because she was a believer. Allah says, "So see how was the end of those people" [7:103]

After dealing with them for a long period patiently,  frustrated Musa (AS) prayed to Allah, "Our Lord, indeed You have given Pharaoh and his establishment splendor and wealth in the worldly life, Our Lord, that they may lead [men] astray from Your way. Our Lord, obliterate their wealth and harden their hearts so that they will not believe until they see the painful punishment." [10:88]

Allah said, "Your supplication has been answered. So remain on a right course and follow not the way of those who do not know." [10:89]

And Allahuthala took the Children of Israel across the sea, and Pharaoh and his soldiers pursued them in tyranny and enmity until, when drowning overtook him and his troop. At that time Firaun said, "I believe that there is no deity except that in whom the Children of Israel believe, and I am of the Muslims." [10:90]

Allahuthala asked him, "Now? And you had disobeyed [Him] before and were of the corrupters?  [10:91].

Allahuthala recorded in Quran, "So today We will save you in body that you may be to those who succeed you as a sign. And indeed, many among the people, of Our signs are heedless. [10:92].

الحمدلله

15.  At every night before sleeping Prophet (SAW), used to cup his hands together and blow over it after reciting certain verses and then rub his hands over all parts of body.

What are those verses?

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاتة      

ﺑِﺴْـــــــﻢِﷲِﺍﻟﺮَّﺣْﻤَﻦِﺍلرَّﺣِﻴﻢ

Answer:

The verses of refuge from Surah Falaq and Surah Nas.

Explanarion:

Narrated ‘Ayesha (RA): Whenever the Prophet (SAW) went to bed every night, he used to cup his hands together and blow over it after reciting the verse of Surat Al-Ikhlas, Surat Al-Falaq and Surat An-Nas, and then rub his hands over whatever parts of his body he was able to rub, starting with his head, face and front of his body. He used to do that three times" [Sahih al-Bukhari, 5017, In Book 66, Hadith 39].

Ibn Al-Qayyim who really highlights the power of Surah Naas and Falaq states, “the effectiveness of these surahs is great to repel magic, evil eye, and the rest of the evils and the need for a slave to seek Allah’s protection from these two surahs is greater than his need for self, eating, drinking, and wearing dress” (Al-Fawwaid, 2/426).

The Prophet (SAW) revealed in one Sahih hadith that “Allah has revealed to me Ayaath the likes of which have not been seen". The hadith continues on to mention that the Prophet [SAW] advised “Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind…” (Surah An-Nas) until the end. “Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of Al-Falaq…” until the end of the Surat.

Together these two surahs are very powerful that it’s been given a special name called “Al mu’awwidhatayn” (Arabic: المعوذتان) meaning “the verses of refuge”. 

We seek refuge to the Lord of Dawn and the Lord of humankind from : 

■ the evil ofwhatever He has created;

■ the evil of the lurking whisperer, who whispers into the hearts of humankind, from among jinn and humankind;

■ the evil of those witches casting spells by blowing onto knots;

■ the evil of an envier when they envy;

الحمدلله

 14. Do you know the prayer of Ashabul Kahaf?

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاتة         

ﺑِﺴْـــــــﻢِﷲِﺍﻟﺮَّﺣْﻤَﻦِﺍلرَّﺣِﻴﻢ

Answer:

 رَبَّنَاۤ اٰتِنَا مِنْ لَّدُنْكَ رَحْمَةً وَّهَيِّئْ لَـنَا مِنْ اَمْرِنَا رَشَدًا‏

Our Lord! Bestow on us mercy from Yourself, and facilitate for us our affair in the right way!” [18:10].

Explanation:

A group of young men, belonging to different families, gathered one by one, to a place. They came out from a large crowd that was performing a religious ceremony to their idols. 

All of then have one thing in common, that is "Thowheed".

They dislike idol worship. Allahuthala made their hearts firm and strong, increased them in guidance.

Their king came to know about them, called them, stripped off their costly clothes, as they are from rich officials and warned them. But they took their refuge in the cave along with their pet dog saying that Allah will open a way from His Mercy and will make  their affair in the right way.

Allah covered up their hearing, causing them to deep sleep in the cave, for a number of years. Then He raised them.

Allah made their case known to the people, that they might know that the Promise of Allah is true, and that there can be no doubt about the Hour.

This dua is the last verse among the first ten ayaath of surah Kahaf:

The first ten verses of surah Kahaf serve as a reminder to believers to stay steadfast in their faith, seek guidance from the Quran, and trust in Allah’s wisdom and mercy.

This ayath is the supplication

for protection from thr fitna of Dajjal:

The greatest trial (fitnah) to affect mankind on earth, from Adam (AS)'s time is the trial of False Messiah Dajjal. [Sunan Abi Dawud, 4323].Those who live up to his time should memorize and recite over him the first ten verses for they are the protection from his trial. The last ayath is the supplication to get Mercy and right guidance from Allah.

الحمدلله

 

 13. The angels that carry the Throne of Allahuthala and those around it, not only believe and praise their Lord but also ask forgiveness and protection for the believers. What is that supplication?

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاتة       

ﺑِﺴْـــــــﻢِﷲِﺍﻟﺮَّﺣْﻤَﻦِﺍلرَّﺣِﻴﻢ

Answer:

رَبَّنَا وَسِعْتَ كُلَّ شَىْءٍۢ رَّحْمَةًۭ وَعِلْمًۭا فَٱغْفِرْ لِلَّذِينَ تَابُوا۟ وَٱتَّبَعُوا۟ سَبِيلَكَ وَقِهِمْ عَذَابَ ٱلْجَحِيمِ 

 "Our Lord, You have encompassed all things in mercy and knowledge, so forgive those who have repented and followed Your way and protect them from the punishment of Hellfire. [40:7]

رَبَّنَا وَأَدْخِلْهُمْ جَنَّـٰتِ عَدْنٍ ٱلَّتِى وَعَدتَّهُمْ وَمَن صَلَحَ مِنْ ءَابَآئِهِمْ وَأَزْوَٰجِهِمْ وَذُرِّيَّـٰتِهِمْ ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ ○

Our Lord, and admit them to gardens of perpetual residence which You have promised them and whoever was righteous among their forefathers, their spouses and their offspring. Indeed, it is You who is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.[40:8]

وَقِهِمُ ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ ۚ وَمَن تَقِ ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ يَوْمَئِذٍۢ فَقَدْ رَحِمْتَهُۥ ۚ وَذَٰلِكَ هُوَ ٱلْفَوْزُ ٱلْعَظِيمُ 

And protect them from the evil consequences [of their deeds]. And he whom You protect from evil consequences that Day - You will have given him mercy. And that is the great attainment." [40:9] 

Explanation:

Normally the Allah's Arsh (Throne) is carried by four angels and, on the Day of Qiyamah they will be eight angels carrying His throne.    Allahuthala only knows the number of angels around the arsh. They may be rows of several hundred thousands of  angels called (کرّوبِی) karrubi. 

We do not  know whether they are appointed for praying for the good of the believers or it is their nature to pray for well being of human beings.

There is a great disparity between angels and human beings in species, station, total submission, obedience, commitment, worship and rank. In spite of these disparities angels develop a strong relationship of cherishing a common creed and faith.

As angels are intermediaries between Allah Subhanahuthala and human beings, they pray for all believers, especially who

1. Have strong Iman.

2. Do lots of good deeds.

3. Follow sunnah

4. The effort they put on their family members. (Giving right guidance, supplicating for them, giving charity for them etc.)

The angels are so earnest in their desire of well-being for the believers. They go on repeating their good wishes for them even after knowing that Allah will certainly bless them with these favors in the Hereafter.

Angels ask for forgiveness to Allah for those human beings who sincerely repented  for their errors, sins, weaknesses and trangressions. They ask Allah with His infinite Mercy, to forgive them.They also pray for  their protection from Hell and be saved from every evil of their own deeds and the evil consequences of the Last Day. They also ask Allah for granting the believers the  Paradise which He Himself has promised them.

Said Ibn Jubayr has said, 'When a believer goes to Jannah, he will ask about his father, son, brother and others, and would want to know where they are. He will be told that their deeds were not like yours (therefore, they will not be there). He will say, 'whatever good I did (was not for me alone), in fact, it was for me and them both.' Then, the command will come, 'admit them too into the Jannah.' (Ibn Kathir)

When a person join with their families in the Hereafter their happiness becomes total and complete. Allah says: "We will join their children with them" (52:21). That is the great triumph.7⁹

When a believer is strong in faith, dutiful to his family and do good, angels will pray for his success along with his family in the Hereafter.

الحمدلله

 12. What supplication  Prophet (SAW) invoked before leaving Makka during Hijra?

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاتة    

ﺑِﺴْـــــــﻢِﷲِﺍﻟﺮَّﺣْﻤَﻦِﺍلرَّﺣِﻴﻢ

Answer:

رَّبِّ أَدْخِلْنِى مُدْخَلَ صِدْقٍۢ وَأَخْرِجْنِى مُخْرَجَ صِدْقٍۢ وَٱجْعَل لِّى مِن لَّدُنكَ سُلْطَـٰنًۭا نَّصِيرًۭا

My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority. [17:80]

Explanation:

While adopting, preaching and spreading Islam at Makka for 13 years,  Prophet (SAW) and his followers experianced severe torture and persecution. The Quraish enemies decided to kill  Prophet (SAW). His house was surrounded by the leaders of Quraish with the intention to kill him when he come out of the house. Allah, the Knower of All things, commanded his Messanger to migrate to Madinah on that night. 

He took a handful sand, reciting the verses of Surah Yasin throw over his enemies, he came out of the house un-noticed. He went to Abubakr (RA)'s house, who already kept ready all the provisions of the journey. 

Allahuthala asked the Holy Prophet (SAW) to make this supplication while he was leaving Makkah. In this prayer priority was given to the entry to Madhinae Munawara, as it is concerned with the safe and smooth settlement of large number of migrated Muslims.

His exit from Makkah should be also safe and smooth in all possible ways. Allahthala shielded and protected them both from the enemies at every stage they were guided through alternative but a tedious route. 

Because of this prayer, taught by Allah, the Prophet (SAW) and his dearest friend Abubakr Siddiq (RA) met the challenges during hijrah with ease. His exit from the people of Makka was   smooth, who were greedy to get hundred camels reward, as announced by Quraish leaders, "Whoever brings the Prophet (SAW) dead or alive get hundred camels as reward."

Thus this prayer was answered and everyone know its effects. 

■ Allah helped and protected them during the journey, 

■  Many embraced Islam on the way.

■ They had grand welcome with love and respect by the people of Madhina. 

■ He re-entered after few years and conquired Makka with no war, blood shed and prayed in Kaba and removed all the idols from them.

■ He never took revench but forgave the people of Makka as Prophet Yusuf pardoned his brothers.

This supplication for common man:

Scholars have the alternative opinion about this supplication.  It has a deeper meaning for a common Muslim.  It is better to invoke for  grant powerful support from the Omnipotent, by reciting this supplication regularly. Our exit (departure from this world/Resurrection from grave on the Day of Qiyama) or entry (into Burjaq - condition in the grave/or entering into the Judgement ground) will be good and successful!

الحمدلله

 11. What is the supplications, invoked for one's spouses and children?

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاتة      

ﺑِﺴْـــــــﻢِﷲِﺍﻟﺮَّﺣْﻤَﻦِﺍلرَّﺣِﻴﻢ

Answer:

"Our Lord, grant us from among our wives and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us a leader [i.e., example] for the righteous." [25:74]

وَٱلَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَٰجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّـٰتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍۢ وَٱجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا

Explanation:

The righteous servants of Allah when they hear the verses of their Lord, do not fall at them as deaf and blind ones.

They pay attention to them like sober and sensible persons, and act upon them.

Allah further says they not only submit themselves to the way of Allah, but also take efforts to improve their spouse and offspring, to follow the right path. They were so concerned about their family's faith in this world and the salvation in the Hereafter.

In Arabic language, there is an expression of "warm eyes" which a man experiances during sadness, sorrow, calamity, depression and pain. When a man is happy, healthy and peaceful his eyes become cool.

Allah says that the wealth and children are the trails for a man. When a man has righteous  spouse and children that is a great gift for him from Allah.

If a man with islamic faith had a disbeliever father, son or brother he knew that if any of their loved ones die they will go to Hell. He could not be in peace knowing that his loved one was in the Fire. This is what Allah referred to in this ayath.

A righteous man as he achieved good, want to call others also to goodness. He set right his household - the spouse and children with his faith and prayer. And also like them to be Imams.

They wanted their worship to be connected to the worship of their children and offspring, and their guidance to go beyond themselves and benefit others. 

الحمدلله